Alai freed after spending night in police cell

Controversial blogger Robert Alai has been released after spending the night at Kamukunji police cells in Nairobi.

Alai on his twitter handle thanked his followers for having demanded his freedom. The tweet read: “Thanks to #KOT for the support. I am so humbled that even Baba’s supporters understand that disagreeing doesn’t make us enemies.”

He said he was grateful to president Uhuru Kenyatta’s PA Jomo Gecaga for sorting out the mess.

He further told the Star on phone that some elements within the government are misusing the police in the name of the president.

He said Jomo, who learnt of his arrest on social media, ordered for his immediate release.

Alai said he was leaving his estate at around 10.am on Friday on his way to town when flying squad officers rounded him up.

He said this was immediately he left the estate gate.

“The officers blocked my way with cocked guns and ordered me to get out of my car and kneel down with my hands up.”

I got confused but with guns being placed on my head, I had to cooperate and do as I was ordered, he said.

Alai said he was told not to speak or call anyone before he was taken to Nairobi Area under command of inspector special crimes.

He was detained at their offices on grounds that the officers were waiting for Mr Ndegwa Muhoro the DCI boss to direct on the next move.

At around 6pm, Alai said Muhoro directed that he be taken to Central Police cells.

“On our way to Central, a call was made and we headed to Muthaiga. Before we even checked at Muthaiga another call was made and we made a turn only to be checked at Kamukunji police cells later in the night where I spent the night,” he said.

To him, the officers who arrested him were not even aware why they were ordered to hold him. “I have just been briefed that even the president was not aware and am grateful to Jomo who sorted the mess out and ordered my release, he said.

Earlier reports however indicated that the blogger had been arrested over a story he ran on his KahawaTungu site relating to the first family.